IGTV is Instagram’s long-form video format. As opposed to Instagram stories, which are only a minute, IGTV allows users to create up to 10-minute video clips. Verified accounts and accounts with at least 10,000 followers can add videos up to 60 minutes. The videos can expand to be vertical, full-screen entertainment. As with most long-form video, production costs can be high. That’s why it’s smart to evaluate all long-form video options before diving into IGTV. After researching and experimenting with my own IGTV channel, I have noted some handy hacks you can use to leverage your channel with ease.
How to create an IGTV account?
If you already have an Instagram account, it’s not difficult to set up an IGTV account. Here are the steps:
- Download the IGTV app from the Apple App Store or Google Play
- Open and sign into the IGTV app using your existing Instagram login
- In the right-hand corner, click on the gear icon to open settings, then click Create Channel
What kind of content is popular on IGTV?
You can share so many different types of video content you can share on IGTV. Brand building through storytelling is a great option, but one strategy to really shoot for on IGTV is educational content. In many cases, educational content can struggle on Instagram because of that minute time limit. If you have anything that takes any longer, it was automatically ruled out, or you’d need to have a series of videos. That makes it an excellent platform to share tutorials, answer Q&As in-depth, and offer information that your target audience might need.
Do you go live as part of your content strategy?? Well, save it and post it to IGTV! This is a great way to generate more reach for your video content, plus if you have already created the content, you should use it.
Create your own content series where you release new episodes once, twice, or three times a week. Depending on your schedule.
Make sure your audience knows when and how frequently these will be coming out. That way even if your video doesn’t show up in their feed through your marketing, they will be anticipating something new from you and can visit your channel organically without you having to bring them there.
Sharing some behind the scenes footage of your new project is also a fantastic idea. It will spark interest among your followers and they will eagerly anticipate your next video. Plus, it is quite entertaining too.
Instagram’s IGTV is almost guaranteed to be a game-changer, especially considering how they turned a Snapchat feature into one that’s now associated more often with Instagram, instead. The ability to create and share long-form content on an exceptionally popular platform where users are excited to engage with brands has so much potential, and we’re excited to see where the platform goes in time.
